Princeton travels to Cornell to face the Big Red in an ECAC preliminary
game tuesday.  These teams met twice this season. The first game at Baker
ended in a 1-1 tie; the second was won by the Red 5-2 at home, even though
the Tigers jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead.  The Tigers are no strangers to
road playoff games, having won on the road two straight seasons, at Colgate
in 1992 and Vermont last year.
 
For Princeton to win this game, they need to take advantage of their
opponents mistakes.  Against Vermont and Dartmouth this past weekend, the
Tigers failed to convert on several breakaways.  The lone exception was
when J.P. O'Connor scored against Darthmouth on a two on one breakway to
give Princeton a 3-2 lead on saturday.  Princeton also must improve it's
Power Play, they have not done well this season when they have had the man
advantage.  On the other hand, their Penalty Kill play has been exceptional
of late.  In my opinion, Jr Ian Sharp has become one of the best penalty
killers in the ECAC.  Another Tiger strength is in goal.  Soph James Konte
is one the best goalies Princeton has had in many years, and is the main
reason the ninth place Tigers were number six in goals against this year
in the ECAC.
 
Chris Dietrich,
Princeton U.